The Canopy, a new dining and events space at Boundless Outdoors in West Malvern, officially opened its doors on Saturday, 27 June 2026, with Worcester's new Major, Councillor Tor Pingree, pulling a slip-knot rope to mark the occasion instead of cutting a ribbon, symbolising the outdoor skills taught at the centre.
Modern Design Replaces Century-Old Dining Room
The new building, named The Canopy for its position among the trees, replaces a dining room that had served the centre for 110 years. Designed to bring the outdoors in, it features natural wood cladding, solar PV panels, and large windows framing the surrounding woodland. Photographs of local hills, supplied by the Beacon Photography Club, adorn the interior.
Community Access and Events
While The Canopy will serve as the dining space for thousands of schoolchildren visiting Boundless Outdoors each year, it is also available for hire to community groups, youth organisations, faith groups, weddings, and family celebrations, broadening the site's appeal year-round.
Opening Ceremony Attendees
The opening was attended by local civic leaders including Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, Cllr John Gallagher; Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Cllr Daniel Walton; West Malvern councillor John Raine and his wife Susan; and Cllr Clive Hooper from Malvern Town Council. Representatives from educational and youth providers such as Heart of Worcestershire College, University of Worcester, Dyson Perrins, Tudor Grange Academies Trust, Malvern Cube Projects, and Newtown Football Club were also present.
Local Pupil Designs Commemorative Sign
A commemorative sign for The Canopy was designed by local primary school pupil Ella Rogers, who attended the opening to see her design unveiled, underscoring the centre's focus on serving young people.
CEO's Remarks on the New Space
Nick Hands, CEO of Boundless Outdoors, spoke at the ceremony: 'This building is so much more than a dining room. The old one was 110 years old and had given incredible service to thousands of young people, but it was time. The Canopy has been designed to sit right within the trees, so that even when children come inside they never lose that connection to the outdoors. We often forget that sitting down together for a meal has become a rarity for many families. This space gives children the chance to do exactly that: to gather, to talk, to laugh and to dream up what tomorrow might bring. That is what outdoor education is really about, and now we have a building that is genuinely worthy of it.'
